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Former All-Star Closer Alex Reyes Signs with Dodgers After Cardinals Non-Tender

2024-12-18

In 2018, Reyes made a remarkable comeback. He showed up looking exactly as promised, striking out an impressive 44 batters in a consecutive streak of 23 scoreless innings during his four rehab appearances. Then, in his first big league appearance after a year and a half, he tossed four shutout innings. Unfortunately, just a day after his May 30th start, Reyes hit the IL due to a torn lat. In 2019, he faced the first shaky results of his professional career. Although his fastball was slightly down from his previous average of 97 mph, the real challenge lay in his ability to throw strikes after multiple arm surgeries.

2020: A Shift to the Bullpen

In the shortened 2020 season, the Cardinals made a strategic move by placing Reyes in the bullpen. This proved to be beneficial as his velocity ticked back up to an average of 97.5 mph. He pitched well, posting a 3.20 ERA in 19 2/3 innings and even picking up a save in the postseason.

2021: The Closer Role

Carrying the momentum from 2020, Reyes earned the Cardinals' closer job in 2021. At the age of 26, he made 69 appearances, saving 29 games and having a 3.24 ERA in 72 1/3 innings. This performance earned him an All-Star nod. However, during the following Spring Training, he dealt with a shoulder issue and it was revealed that he would need another shoulder surgery, wiping out his 2022 campaign before it even began.

2023: A New Chapter with the Dodgers

Projected to earn nearly $3 million in arbitration, the Cardinals decided not to tender Reyes for the 2023 season. But he later signed a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Dodgers, with the hope of joining the team later in the year. Reyes' career has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but his determination and talent continue to shine through.